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Salmeterol

Adult Medication

Brand Names: US

Brand Names: Canada

Warning

In people with asthma, long-acting puffers (inhalers) like this drug raise the chance of asthma-related deaths. Talk with the doctor.

Long-acting puffers (inhalers) like this drug may raise the chance of asthma-related hospital stays in children and teens. Talk with the doctor.

Do not use this drug to treat asthma if you are not using a long-term asthma-control drug like a breathed-in steroid. Do not use this drug to treat asthma if your asthma is well controlled by a long-term asthma-control drug.

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat asthma.

It is used to treat COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

It is used to prevent exercise-induced breathing problems.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

If you have an allergy to salmeterol or any other part of this drug.

If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

If you are having a breathing attack.

If you are taking or will be taking another drug like this one.

If you are taking any of these drugs: Atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, or telithromycin.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that you use this drug.

Do not use this drug to treat intense flare-ups of shortness of breath. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with the doctor.

If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), this drug may sometimes raise blood sugar. Talk with your doctor about how to fine tune this.

Have your blood pressure checked often. Talk with your doctor.

Call your doctor right away if your breathing problems get worse, if your rescue inhaler does not work as well, or if you need to use your rescue inhaler more often.

If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.

Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.

Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.

Very nervous and excitable.

Very bad headache.

Very bad dizziness.

Shakiness.

Fever.

This drug can cause very bad breathing problems right after you take a dose. Sometimes, this may be life-threatening. If you have trouble breathing, breathing that is worse, wheezing, or coughing after using this drug, use a rescue inhaler and get medical help right away.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Headache.

Nose and throat irritation.

Stuffy nose.

Runny nose.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read and follow the dosing on the label closely.

To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

Use as you have been told, even if you feel well.

For breathing in only by a puffer (inhaler) into the lungs.

Have your puffer (inhaler) use checked with your doctor at each visit. Read and follow facts on how to use the puffer. Make sure you use the puffer the right way.

Do not use a spacer with the puffer (inhaler).

Never wash the puffer (inhaler). Keep it dry.

If working out or playing sports causes signs, use at least 30 minutes before doing it. Do not take more doses for at least 12 hours.

Do not use more than 2 doses a day.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.

Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Store puffer (inhaler) at room temperature. Throw away any part not used after 6 weeks.

Protect from heat.

Protect from light.

Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.

Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.

Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.

Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.

Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Last Reviewed Date

2014-05-06

Copyright

If you have any questions or concerns, talk with a member of your healthcare team. You can reach them Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at ____________________. After 5:00 pm, during the weekend, and on holidays, please call____________________. If there’s no number listed, or you’re not sure, call 212-639-2000.